Honestly I might opt to their newer one, the 114mm version just to stir clear from the 24-50mm vignetting range in full frame that people are experiencing with Tilta Mirage. According to Smallring (don't 100% trust their word), the VND has clearance in 4K video up to 16mm and the rectangular tray has up to 14mm. Photo mode is 100% another story, indeed.
@@thrillcat Yeah the Smallrig might not have the smoothest VND wheel, but until Tilta makes 114mm version of Mirage it's the better one. Next step is adjusting the tint and CP angle to cut hot spots instead of rotating the whole matte box. Maybe before 5 years from now we might see an automated VND that works with conjunction with camera's, something similar to DJI's Ronin Raveneye for manual lenses LiDAR autofocusing.
Thanks for your video, mate. Unfortunately I bought one of them myself. The idea was to use it on my RS3 PRO with the focus motor, VND adjustment is stiff, sometimes not too bad, sometimes I can’t turn it with my finger. As a result focus motor is struggling to adjust it, also makes noise when you turn it. Another issue is you can’t just remove VND without disassembling the whole thing, not ideal for run and gun style. First smallrig product that needs to be returned.
Using the two side-by-side I've noticed so many little details that are just better on the Tilta Mirage. I hadn't even really noticed you had to take the Smallrig apart to swap out any filter at all until I was editing and watching myself fumble with it. All the little bits just fit better and are smoother on the Tilta. And they dropped the price 15% a couple days after I bought it, so now it's almost the same price as the SmallRig. Really a no-brainer at this point. Going to do a follow-up video this week.
How come the whole mattebox has to come apart? I thought I could just be dropped into the filter stages? Got the 114mm version, considering picking up the VND module for it. I was looking at tilta mirage but the vignetting when using the extra filter trays (eg the nd plus a Vaxis mist for example) was way too much even at 24mm
@@perthlongboardingsociety321 VND is thicker than standard filter tray, you need to remove front bit with the flag, install VND than reattach front bit. Really quick, what a set up
@@dieselart9547 that’s a bit annoying, was really looking forward to that part for its quick release to take out ND completely. Is the ND itself good quality in terms of color shift, x pattern etc?
@@perthlongboardingsociety321 I haven’t tested it properly, main problem is adjustment, I thought it was just an issue with mine, but it seems to be the same problem in this video
nice video, thank you. I think you can use all filters, Tiffen for example, and not just your own small rig filters, right? And what do you do with zoom lenses, for example the Laowa Nanomorph 28-55mm, which won't work either, or can the box only be attached using rods? Thanks again
Now you have used this for 10 months or so are there any updates or learnings? Just liked and subscribed. I'm considering buying one too but also looking at Tilta's equiv. I like the SmallRig brand and build quality, so in absence of good reasons either way I'm inclined to go SmallRig. A few queries that you might know after using. 1) How even is the ND effect (ie and X pattern) and is it good/consistent across 8 stops? 2) Is there any discernible colour shift? 3) How easy, or otherwise, is it to use with zoom lenses where the front element moves forward with zoom (I'm wishing t use with primes and a 24-70mm Sony GM mk ii lens - front moves)? 4) for (3) zoom lenses I'm guessing you can't use with the front rail support? But probably OK with my 70-200 which has internal adjustment (no front element movement). 5) Any subsequent learning if wishing to add a 'drop-in' filter (eg black mist) as well as run the VND (presumably a second add-on filter tray module)? 6) Any belated views SmallRig vs Tilta Mirage? Thanks if you or anyone else can answer any of my product queries.
That's the Tilta cage for the Cinema Camera 2.5k. They were already getting hard to find when I ordered this one, so not sure if you'll still be able to find any.
Thanks for posting this. I could not figure out how to slide the VND in the slot. Now I know you have to take the front off first.
Great! Thanks Ive been waiting for a decent vid review on this.
Make sure to check the follow-up on my channel as well...
Thank you for this! Been looking for a good review about this matte box 😊
I ended up sending it back and have stuck with the Tilta Mirage. Much more refined construction.
Honestly I might opt to their newer one, the 114mm version just to stir clear from the 24-50mm vignetting range in full frame that people are experiencing with Tilta Mirage. According to Smallring (don't 100% trust their word), the VND has clearance in 4K video up to 16mm and the rectangular tray has up to 14mm. Photo mode is 100% another story, indeed.
It's so nice that there are companies like this making tools affordable, and there are more options every week, it seems!
@@thrillcat Yeah the Smallrig might not have the smoothest VND wheel, but until Tilta makes 114mm version of Mirage it's the better one. Next step is adjusting the tint and CP angle to cut hot spots instead of rotating the whole matte box. Maybe before 5 years from now we might see an automated VND that works with conjunction with camera's, something similar to DJI's Ronin Raveneye for manual lenses LiDAR autofocusing.
Thanks! Very helpful 👍🏼
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for your video, mate. Unfortunately I bought one of them myself. The idea was to use it on my RS3 PRO with the focus motor, VND adjustment is stiff, sometimes not too bad, sometimes I can’t turn it with my finger. As a result focus motor is struggling to adjust it, also makes noise when you turn it. Another issue is you can’t just remove VND without disassembling the whole thing, not ideal for run and gun style. First smallrig product that needs to be returned.
Using the two side-by-side I've noticed so many little details that are just better on the Tilta Mirage. I hadn't even really noticed you had to take the Smallrig apart to swap out any filter at all until I was editing and watching myself fumble with it. All the little bits just fit better and are smoother on the Tilta. And they dropped the price 15% a couple days after I bought it, so now it's almost the same price as the SmallRig. Really a no-brainer at this point. Going to do a follow-up video this week.
How come the whole mattebox has to come apart? I thought I could just be dropped into the filter stages?
Got the 114mm version, considering picking up the VND module for it.
I was looking at tilta mirage but the vignetting when using the extra filter trays (eg the nd plus a Vaxis mist for example) was way too much even at 24mm
@@perthlongboardingsociety321 VND is thicker than standard filter tray, you need to remove front bit with the flag, install VND than reattach front bit. Really quick, what a set up
@@dieselart9547 that’s a bit annoying, was really looking forward to that part for its quick release to take out ND completely.
Is the ND itself good quality in terms of color shift, x pattern etc?
@@perthlongboardingsociety321 I haven’t tested it properly, main problem is adjustment, I thought it was just an issue with mine, but it seems to be the same problem in this video
nice video, thank you.
I think you can use all filters, Tiffen for example, and not just your own small rig filters, right?
And what do you do with zoom lenses, for example the Laowa Nanomorph 28-55mm, which won't work either, or can the box only be attached using rods?
Thanks again
Now you have used this for 10 months or so are there any updates or learnings? Just liked and subscribed. I'm considering buying one too but also looking at Tilta's equiv. I like the SmallRig brand and build quality, so in absence of good reasons either way I'm inclined to go SmallRig. A few queries that you might know after using.
1) How even is the ND effect (ie and X pattern) and is it good/consistent across 8 stops?
2) Is there any discernible colour shift?
3) How easy, or otherwise, is it to use with zoom lenses where the front element moves forward with zoom (I'm wishing t use with primes and a 24-70mm Sony GM mk ii lens - front moves)?
4) for (3) zoom lenses I'm guessing you can't use with the front rail support? But probably OK with my 70-200 which has internal adjustment (no front element movement).
5) Any subsequent learning if wishing to add a 'drop-in' filter (eg black mist) as well as run the VND (presumably a second add-on filter tray module)?
6) Any belated views SmallRig vs Tilta Mirage?
Thanks if you or anyone else can answer any of my product queries.
I sent it back almost immediately and replaced with the Tilta Mirage, and there’s another video here comparing them.
Hi, what do you use as an IR cut filter for the blackmagic when you use the VND? Greetings :)
I’ve since started using the Tilta Mirage, and I have one of these for all my lenses. amzn.to/3Q6DxS2
Where did you get your cage from?
That's the Tilta cage for the Cinema Camera 2.5k. They were already getting hard to find when I ordered this one, so not sure if you'll still be able to find any.
If you plan to use this on a 16mm, don't the vignetting is awful and it only goes away at 20mm
I sent the SmallRig back. It was not great. I ended up with the Tilta Mirage.